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Volume 10
Journal of Earth Science & Climatic Change
ISSN: 2157-7617
Climate Change 2019
September 02-03, 2019
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conference
series
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September 02-03, 2019 |Berlin, Germany
6
th
World Conference on Climate Change
Page 22
Mehdi Azadi, J Earth Sci Clim Change 2019, Volume: 10
Recycling coal combustion by-products for minesite rehabilitation
T
he rehabilitation and closure of mines is often impeded by the presence of mine wastes (spoils, rejects, tailings) with
undesirable chemical and physical properties that increase the risks of acid and metalliferous drainage, spontaneous
combustion, salinity, dust generation, and erosion. At the same time, the various types of coal combustion by-products
from power stations have unique chemical and physical properties such as an alkaline nature, pozzolanic binding effects,
high water holding capacity, and particle size distributions which can be beneficial for mine rehabilitation. Many of the
coal-fired power stations are located in close proximity to mines. The relatively short distance of coal mines and the power
stations reduces the cost of coal transport. It also provides the opportunity to transport coal ash back to the mines at a low
cost for the rehabilitation applications, including i) encapsulation and coating of the reactive materials (to prevent acid
mine drainage and spontaneous combustion), ii) replacing of some of the costly soil amendment chemicals, iii) backfilling
and stabilising final voids and underground workings, and iv) treatment of contaminated water. Our research aims to
assess the effectiveness of the technology for improving physical and geochemical stability of mine wastes, and reducing
any residual risks after mine closure, by testing the scenarios in which coal ash is reused.
Biography
Mehdi Azadi obtained his PhD in Chemical Engineering, at The University of Queensland, Australia, after gaining his Bachelor and Master degrees in Chemical
Engineering. Dr Azadi’s research is currently focused on climate change adaptation technologies in mining industry. With an extensive knowledgebase and
multiple skills, he has forged a career that includes mining waste management, mineral processing, separation technologies, and colloidal and interface science,
all of which were developed and strengthened in theAcademia, resource mining, and oil & gas
sectors.Asa research scientist and engineer in a multidisciplinary
area, his work contributes to various industries by improving the traditional methods aiming for higher quality products and cleaner environment.
Mehdi Azadi
The University of Queensland, Australia